Intel posts a short film about SSDs and the folly of not using them

Intel cares about you. It cares that your data is safe and secure in a sturdy storage silo of the solid state variety. In order to enlighten you on the dangers that old and dusty magnetic hard drives pose, it has kindly fashioned out a short film detailing graphically the fate of your 1s and 0s when they're kept on an HDD that suffers an unexpected impact. It's atmospheric, thrilling stuff, which we dare not spoil for you here. We'll just say it ends on a pretty hilarious note and point you to the video below.

Continue reading Intel posts a short film about SSDs and the folly of not using them

Intel posts a short film about SSDs and the folly of not using them originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/intel-posts-a-short-film-about-ssds-and-the-folly-of-not-using-t/

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Google working on a face recognition app that leads to your personal info? (update: Google says 'no')

Before we all get in a huff about this, Google has been very eager to point out that the facial recognition app it's developing will work on a strictly opt-in basis. That means if you don't want it to scan all of Facebook, Flickr and the rest of Google's vast hoards of internet knowledge to find you, identify you, and collate your name, phone number and email address into a handy data sheet, it won't. Okay? So relax now, everything's fine. Seriously though, Google's latest research venture sounds like a dashing stride into a minefield of privacy concerns as it aims to use people's faces to instantly identify them and provide any salient info about them. Project leader Hartmut Neven, whose company Neven Vision was gobbled up by Google in 2006, says the team is being very cautious in how it addresses people's rather apt apprehension, but he insists there's actually great value in having a face-recognizing and data-mining app. Great value for the app's user, perhaps, but we'd rather just stick to business cards, if you ask us.

Update: Google has reached out to clarify that there are no plans to introduce functionality of this sort yet, not without "a strong privacy model in place." More importantly, however, the linking of facial recognition to personal data is described as "inventions of the reporter" rather than something the company's actively pursuing.

Google working on a face recognition app that leads to your personal info? (update: Google says 'no') originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/thW-Tcgshmg/

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TiPb TV 18: Ultimate iPad case sledding challenge

You asked us to put the Otterbox Defender head-to-head against the Incipio Destroyer in a proper, traditional Smartphone Experts style review and… I thought to heck with that. We’re doing an Amazing Case episode of TiPb TV. No, not a Jiu-Jitsu death-match or scratch test or water torture, this time we’re taking the Defender and [...]

TiPb TV 18: Ultimate iPad case sledding challenge is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheIphoneBlog/~3/r6wfcynCW8A/

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DropSpace adds real Dropbox sync to Android

Dropbox offers a lovely client for Android, but it's lacking true "sync" functionality. You can merely browse your Dropbox, pull files into the device, and manually upload specific files.

DropSpace is a little Android app that makes Dropbox on Android work like Dropbox - that is, you get real folder synchronization in the background.

When you run the app you're prompted for your Dropbox credentials. After logging in to Dropbox, you get to select which device folders you'd like to sync to the cloud. It's a straightforward mapping process: You select a folder on the device, and then specify where in Dropbox it should go.

The interface is rather clunky, at least for now. The biggest annoyance is that you can't edit your "sync list": if you add a folder and then wish to remove it, you must delete the entire list of folders and start over.

In terms of functionality, it works quite well. I tested it with the camera folder, and it was nice to be able to take my photos using the lean default Camera app and have them sync up to the cloud instantly.

DropSpace adds real Dropbox sync to Android originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/dropspace-adds-real-dropbox-sync-to-android/

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Exclusive: IAC Hatches Hatch Labs, A Technology Sandbox To Incubate Mobile Startups

IAC has made a business out of developing or acquiring mobile applications based on its popular properties. In fact, IAC's mobile apps, which include apps for Match.com, CityGrid, UrbanSpoon, and Dictionary.com, have seen over 40 million downloads as of end of the year 2010. Today, we've learned exclusively that IAC is furthering its mobile strategy by launching Hatch Labs, a technology sandbox devoted to incubating mobile startups and innovations. Hatch Labs is the brainchild of Dinesh Moorjani, who was formerly the SVP of IAC Mobile. At IAC, Moorjani started the mobile group in 2007 and helped lead all product strategy for mobile. During his time, Moorjani helped doubled mobile revenue annually for IAC. He tells us that for the past five years IAC has been acquiring mobile technologies and apps, but this can be an expensive endeavor. Moorjani and the company wanted to help incubate more innovation within IAC, particularly in the mobile sector and thus Hatch Labs was born.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/NIXyVqMFG7s/

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Mockingbird is a fantastic in-browser tool for creating website wireframes

Sometimes you've got an idea in your head for a website or page layout, or even for an application. But then you need to somehow get it out of your head and actually look at it, or show it to someone. While drawing on the back of a napkin is a time-honored strategy, that is not always ideal because you can't edit your drawing later, and it may be difficult to share.

Mockingbird is like a digital version of the back of a napkin, but on steroids. It runs in-browser, and is powered by the magic of HTML5 (so it might work on an iPad). Mockingbird provides you with a rich toolbox of UI widgets like buttons, rectangles (both rounded and "regular") and image placeholders, as well as more Web-specific elements like a "search box" or vertical/horizontal navigation bars.

All you have to do is drag-and-drop the elements around the screen and resize them until it looks just right. I've tried it with one website mockup, and the result was pleasingly clear - it communicated exactly what I had in mind.

Mockingbird is a paid service (starting at $9/month) but you can use the tool itself even without an account - you just won't be able to save your work. That's not as bad as it sounds, because more often than not you may just want to relay a quick idea.

Mockingbird is a fantastic in-browser tool for creating website wireframes originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/13/mockingbird-is-a-fantastic-in-browser-tool-for-creating-website/

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Energizer will offer wireless charging solutions for your gadgets

Energizer joins companies that will�support�the QI wireless charging standard. At CTIA wireless 2011, Energizer showed several wireless products, including iPhone/iPod sleeve and micro/mini USB �charging adapters. The micro/mini USB charging adapter can turn any gadget to QI wireless charging compatible. Prices and release date are not available in this moment. More details can found here.

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/03/26/energizer-will-offer-wireless-charging-solutions-for-your-gadgets/

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Speedtest.net overhauled with new look, new features

Speedtest.net is pretty much the go-to site for quickly figuring out how fast (or slow) your connection really is and comparing the numbers your ISP boasts with what it actually delivers. And now it's got a new coat of paint and a couple of neat features. In brief:

• New UI: The map widget is much improved; it actually looks like a map now, and it's easy to see where you are.
• Smart server selection: If there are several test servers nearby, Speedtest will now ping each to see which has the least latency and use that for the test. You can still specify servers manually, too.
• User accounts: You can sign up for a free account and aggregate results from several computers/connections.
• Speed Wave: This new feature lets you add your test results to the results of many other users, and get a nice composite view.

All in all, you get some nice, new functionality and a snazzier interface to boot. Nice!

Speedtest.net overhauled with new look, new features originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/07/speedtest-net-overhauled-with-new-look-new-features/

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MetroPCS lays the TapouT smackdown on Huawei's Ascend... gently

Is it really, truly possible to market a Froyo-based smartphone -- let alone one from 2010 -- to a demographic obsessed with Cauliflower ear? MetroPCS seems to think so, and its version of the Huawei Ascend just so happens to be "sanctioned" by TapouT. Hailed as the first brand to represent MMA, TapouT's roots are plastered all about the innards of the phone, with this Special Edition handset shipping with ten virtual training center videos, a dozen static wallpapers, six live wallpapers and a host of presumably violent Android applications. You'll also get a pair of interchangeable backs, a 2GB microSD card and support for the company's contract-free $50 / $60 smartphone plans. As for the cost of the phone itself? Free after a suplex + sleeper hold combo on the dude working the desk.

Continue reading MetroPCS lays the TapouT smackdown on Huawei's Ascend... gently

MetroPCS lays the TapouT smackdown on Huawei's Ascend... gently originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 13:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/metropcs-lays-the-tapout-smackdown-on-huaweis-ascend-gently/

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Deal of the Day ? Lenovo ThinkPad T420s 14? Ultrathin 2nd Generation Core i5 Laptop

Today?s LogicBUY deal offers 42% savings on the Lenovo ThinkPad T420s with the 2011 Intel Core i5 cpu. Cheapest T420s:� $1855 – $656 off ? 10% web-use stackable coupon code = $1079.10 with free shipping This deal expires April 2, 2011 or sooner. Check the above link for more details on this deal, and check [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/03/30/deal-of-the-day-%e2%80%93-lenovo-thinkpad-t420s-14%e2%80%9d-ultrathin-2nd-generation-core-i5-laptop/

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Boxee details next Box update with iPad support and more in May

We refuse to be surprised that the next Boxee Box update isn't actually arriving by the end of March, but just to tide us over CEO Avner Ronen has picked up his blogging pen and revealed many of the changes on the way. As mentioned on that Australian podcast, the browser will be faster, as well as a new on-screen display for FF/RW controls, options for sorting local files and additional language support. A smiley face is reserved for the news that support for Boxee for iPad will be included, before moving on to a list of bugs that will be stamped out. Early access users should expect to see test builds rolling out shortly, with plans for major updated to the Boxee Box (and "other Boxee based devices") every three months or so so we should expect this one in May -- no word on anything for the PC clients. Until then hit the source link for all the details or just relive our special CES hands-on time with Boxee for iPad in the gallery.

Gallery: Boxee iPad app hands-on

Boxee details next Box update with iPad support and more in May originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/boxee-details-next-box-update-with-ipad-support-and-more-in-may/

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Are you concerned about your headphone jack?

Yeah, me neither… But I’m sure that some of you out there are worried about dust, dirt or liquids invading the headphone jack of your phone or other device. The iCatchi is $6.95 accessory that plugs into the jack when you don’t have your headphones plugged in. It protects the jack from all sorts of [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/03/28/are-you-concerned-about-your-headphone-jack/

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Microsoft keeps gunning after Apple's 'generic' App Store trademark, brings in a linguistics expert

We'd say this was getting silly but that would imply that it wasn't already. Microsoft and Apple are still at each other's throat over the latter's trademark application for the term "App Store," with Microsoft now bringing in a Dr. Ronald Butters, Professor Emeritus at Duke University and a man with a taste for hardcore semantics. He says the compound noun "app store" is perfectly generic in that it "does not merely describe the thing named, it is the thing named." In a wildly geeky turn, he references the potential for someone discovering a use for masers and trying to trademark the term "maser store" in response, which would seem immediately and logically absurd. An app store, says the good doctor, is no more capable of being trademarked than a grocery store or a stationery store or a computer store.

Of course, as with most trademark disputes, what's truly at stake here isn't linguistics, but a big fat wad of consumer goodwill. Having previously been quite uncomfortable with the idea of buying additional software for his mobile phone, Joe Consumer has nowadays grown quite accustomed to dropping little chunks of change on smartphone apps, and the terminology that sets his mind at ease most readily is indeed "app store." Preventing others from using that well established moniker would clearly be a significant competitive advantage for Apple and it's pretty hard to argue with its contention that it's responsible for generating the goodwill that sits behind it. Then again, we reckon Android's Market, webOS' admittedly small App Catalog, and other moves by the likes of RIM, Nokia and Microsoft itself with WP7, haven't done the app store cause any harm either, so in purely ethical terms it still seems a little rich for Apple to be claiming the app store crown all to itself. As to the legal battle itself, it's descending into quite amusing minutiae, but its outcome will be of great interest to most of the aforementioned mobile ecosystem purveyors.

Microsoft keeps gunning after Apple's 'generic' App Store trademark, brings in a linguistics expert originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/microsoft-keeps-gunning-after-apples-generic-app-store-tradem/

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Droid Incredible reaches end-of-life, Droid Incredible 2 might be just over the horizon

Well, the Droid Incredible had a good run, didn't it? We knew this day would come, and now it finally has as the phone is no longer up for order on Verizon's website and it appears retail stores are selling through their remaining stock - end-of-life. 

First rumored all the way back in December of 2009, the Droid Incredible finally launched at the end of April 2010 and very quickly did its best to sell out across America as Verizon users went Snapdragon crazy. From day one it was on backorder, and demand was not satisfied well in to mid-August. In addition, the "DInc" was one of the first phones to get updated to Froyo after a leaked version of the RUU made its way on to the Internet. Here in Blacksburg, it is hardly possible to turn around without seeing someone texting, browsing, or gaming away on a Droid Incredible. 

However, there is some good news on the horizon for the DInc faithful (myself included) - we have reliable information that a Verizon-branded version of the HTC Incredible S could be making its way to American shores very soon as the Droid Incredible 2. As in very, very soon. Until then, why not head on over to the Android Central Forums and talk about your favorite memories of the Droid Incredible? [Verizon via Android Central Forums]

 

Droid Incredible reaches end-of-life, Droid Incredible 2 might be just over the horizon posted originally by Android Central

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/C8zchCjMkHI/droid-incredible-reaches-end-life-dinc-2-might-be-just-over-horizon

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America's 'panic button' to wipe phones of democracy activists, perturb repressive governments

So, here's the scene. You're out at [insert city center here], completely neglecting any and all work duties, throwing Molotov cocktails at the building of the State you've grown to hate. It's a protest in every sense of the word, and you're rallying the troops via Twitter and Facebook. It's actually not an uncommon painting these days, and while America's not into promoting violence, it is into keeping the personal information of democracy activists secure. According to a fresh Reuters report, the US State Department is currently developing a software-based "panic button" that would wipe a phone's address book and beam out emergency alerts to fellow protesters if they were apprehended. The goal here is to protect the privacy of those captured while promoting their best interests, and to let others know that trouble is brewing. There's no clear indication of the status here, but something tells us that it'd be useful yesterday for a certain region of the globe.

America's 'panic button' to wipe phones of democracy activists, perturb repressive governments originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:05:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/cfkoM7m-52g/

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IDC fails to learn from previous mistakes, issues 2015 smartphone predictions

The stat guardians at IDC are among the most reliable sources for keeping track of the latest developments in the smartphone market, but we've got to say their forecasts haven't always benefited from the same accuracy. It's with this disclaimer that we present you the world of 2015 as seen through the IDC prism. In just four years' time, says the data, Windows Phone 7 (or whatever version it reaches by then) will have ascended to occupy a fifth of the market and second spot overall behind Android, whose leading position is expected to stabilize somewhere around the 45 percent mark. Apple and RIM are projected to hold steady with shares close to where they are today. It has to be humbling for the IDC, which predicted Symbian would continue to dominate all the way into 2013, to now have to foretell of its almost complete extinction (a mere 0.2 percent) and total irrelevance in the smartphone market. Alas, while the new prediction sounds very reasonable today, four years of unknown unknowns is a mighty long time to try and forecast through, and we have a feeling we'll be looking back and chuckling at this within a few short months -- probably (hopefully!) in the midst of a massive webOS revival.

Continue reading IDC fails to learn from previous mistakes, issues 2015 smartphone predictions

IDC fails to learn from previous mistakes, issues 2015 smartphone predictions originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 09:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/idc-fails-to-learn-from-previous-mistakes-issues-2015-smartphon/

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Mockingbird is a fantastic in-browser tool for creating website wireframes

Sometimes you've got an idea in your head for a website or page layout, or even for an application. But then you need to somehow get it out of your head and actually look at it, or show it to someone. While drawing on the back of a napkin is a time-honored strategy, that is not always ideal because you can't edit your drawing later, and it may be difficult to share.

Mockingbird is like a digital version of the back of a napkin, but on steroids. It runs in-browser, and is powered by the magic of HTML5 (so it might work on an iPad). Mockingbird provides you with a rich toolbox of UI widgets like buttons, rectangles (both rounded and "regular") and image placeholders, as well as more Web-specific elements like a "search box" or vertical/horizontal navigation bars.

All you have to do is drag-and-drop the elements around the screen and resize them until it looks just right. I've tried it with one website mockup, and the result was pleasingly clear - it communicated exactly what I had in mind.

Mockingbird is a paid service (starting at $9/month) but you can use the tool itself even without an account - you just won't be able to save your work. That's not as bad as it sounds, because more often than not you may just want to relay a quick idea.

Mockingbird is a fantastic in-browser tool for creating website wireframes originally appeared on Download Squad on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/13/mockingbird-is-a-fantastic-in-browser-tool-for-creating-website/

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BlackBerry PlayBook FAQ confirms native email, calendar and contacts apps, just not at launch

The native app situation on the BlackBerry PlayBook has been one point of contention since the device was first announced, and there's still a fair bit of confusion even now, less than a month from launch. We now have a fairly definitive answer for one key question, however, although it may not be the one you were hoping for. According to an official FAQ provided for a Verizon webinar, the PlayBook will indeed be getting native email, calendar and contacts apps in a "future software update," but you'll have to make do without them initially. That means either relying on the PlayBook's web browser, or using the "Bridge" mode to access the apps on your BlackBerry smartphone. So, the PlayBook may not technically be "reliant" on a BlackBerry, but it is certainly handy to have one around.

[Thanks, Tom]

BlackBerry PlayBook FAQ confirms native email, calendar and contacts apps, just not at launch originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/ONrXDMBm0g8/

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